On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the central government approved several key welfare initiatives. Among these, the Cabinet gave the green light to continue supplying free fortified rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes from July 2024 to December 2028.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that this initiative would cost ₹17,082 crore, fully funded by the central government. The objective behind this decision is to promote development and enhance nutritional security.
Free Rice Distribution for the Poor via PMGKAY:
In April 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) decided to implement the rice fortification initiative in phases across the country, aiming for completion by March 2024. So far, the initiative has been successfully implemented in three phases. The supply of free fortified rice is expected to reduce anemia and deficiencies in essential micronutrients among the poor.
Other Cabinet Approvals:
- Road Development in Border Areas of Rajasthan and Punjab: The Cabinet has approved the construction of 2,280 km of roads in the border areas, with an estimated cost of ₹4,406 crore.
- National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat: This project has also received Cabinet approval and will be completed in two phases. The goal is to showcase India’s rich maritime heritage and develop the world’s largest maritime heritage complex.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019-2021), anemia remains a major health issue in India, affecting children, women, and men alike. The government’s fortified rice initiative comes at a crucial time, particularly after the BJP’s significant victory in the Haryana assembly elections.
Looking ahead, Maharashtra is also expected to hold its assembly elections in November. On Wednesday, PM Modi laid the digital foundation for several development projects worth over ₹7,600 crore in Maharashtra and inaugurated 10 medical colleges via video conferencing.
Key Cabinet Announcements:
| Sr. No. | Cabinet Decision |
|---|---|
| 1 | Continued free fortified rice supply under PMGKAY from July 2024 to December 2028. |
| 2 | Initiative cost: ₹17,082 crore, fully funded by the central government. |
| 3 | 2,280 km of roads to be built in border areas of Rajasthan and Punjab at ₹4,406 crore. |
| 4 | National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) to be developed in Lothal, Gujarat in two phases. |
| 5 | Focus on reducing anemia and micronutrient deficiencies through fortified rice distribution. |
| 6 | PM Modi laid the foundation for development projects worth ₹7,600 crore in Maharashtra. |
| 7 | Inauguration of 10 medical colleges in Maharashtra through video conferencing. |
